The Urban archeTypes projecT Community Case Study: The City of ...

CANMET Energy Technology Centre
CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES
The Urban Archetypes Project
Community Case Study: The City of Whitehorse
The Urban Archetypes Project initiated by Natural Resources
Canada’s CANMET Energy Technology Centre (CETC),
investigated 31 neighbourhoods 1 in eight
communities 2 to explore the linkages
between urban form, lifestyle patterns of
residents and energy consumption.
The project developed energy profiles
for average households within each
neighbourhood for personal vehicles, household
heat, hot water and electricity for lighting and appliances.
It also investigated the influence of urban design, neighbourhood
location and lifestyle variables on average household vehicle travel
and associated energy consumption. Communities in the project reflected a range of sizes, geographical regions, climates, energy
sources and energy efficiency issues.
This fact sheet, one in a series of eight community case studies presents the results for three neighbourhoods in the City of
Whitehorse: Porter Creek; Wolf Creek and Mary Lake; and Granger.
This research project explored the use of The Urban Archetypes Project Methodology which allows for comparative analysis of
energy consumption between neighbourhoods in the same community. A further analysis of all the project’s neighbourhoods (31) will be
presented in The Urban Archetypes Project Analysis. As available, these documents will be posted to www.sbc.nrcan.gc.ca.
The Urban Archetypes Project is among the first to explore, in an integrated fashion, the energy implications of land use,
infrastructure and building decisions through case studies that present quantitative energy information at the neighbourhood
scale. In so doing, this project begins to address a significant gap in Canadian community energy planning practice. Building on
the findings of this project, CETC, with project collaborators, will continue to work to make energy information available to assist
Canadian communities in making strategic energy planning decisions.
The City of Whitehorse is the political and commercial
capital of the Yukon Territory and is located at 60°43’00”N
135°03’00”W. Historically, it was an important supply centre
during the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, it’s a modern and
vibrant town with a population of 24,151 3 .
Linear in nature, from north to south, the city extends along
the Alaska Highway and Yukon River in a non-contiguous
fashion for approximately 30 kilometres. The downtown/central
business district is located in the geographic centre of town.
Situated in the mountain climate region, average daily
temperatures range from highs of 21°C (July) to lows of −22°C
(January). Similar to many northern communities, residents
often rely on a mix of heating fuel sources including oil,
propane, electricity and wood. Whitehorse has an abundance of
electricity generation capacity; a legacy from Yukon’s mining
industry development.
1
The term neighbourhood, as used in this project, denotes an area approximately 300 dwelling units in size and of relatively homogenous urban form;
a neighbourhood could vary in size geographically.
2
The term community, as used in this project, refers to the same scale as the municipality.
3
The City of Whitehorse Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. September 2007. http://www.city.whitehorse.yk.ca
Cat. N o .: M154-15/2008E-PDF ISBN: 978-1-100-10283-2

Urban Archetypes Project Whitehorse YK
CANMET Energy Technology Centre
NEIGHBOURHOOD DESCRIPTIONS
Porter Creek
Porter Creek is situated on the upper bench of the Yukon
River Valley, approximately 6 km from downtown Whitehorse.
Built in the late 1970s and early 1980s, dwellings are almost
exclusively single detached although some contain legal
secondary suites.
The neighbourhood was developed according to a grid pattern
of streets and avenues complete with sidewalks, streetlights,
and cross-walks; houses are set back from the street allowing
for manicured front yards and a suburban appearance. While
there are no commercial operations within the study area, a
few commercial businesses are found on Centennial Street.
A school, a church, and art theatre are also located nearby.
Residents of this area have access to a local park and outdoor
rink. There are many recreational trails throughout the
neighbourhood.
Wolf Creek & Mary Lake
Wolf Creek and Mary Lake 4 are country residential
subdivisions of large lots located approximately 15 km south of
downtown Whitehorse on the Alaska Highway. While the first
homes were built in the late 1970s, redevelopment continues
to take place. The majority of residences are single-detached
dwellings interspersed with a few mobile homes.
Homes are generally set back from the road, giving the
neighbourhood a rural appearance. The road network pattern
consists of crescents and cul-de-sacs branching out from a
main road. The majority of the streets are minimally surfaced,
with street lights but no sidewalks. These subdivisions are
surrounded by natural green space in all directions.
There are no city services to Wolf Creek and Mary Lake
(no water, sewer or public transportation). No commercial
operations exist within this study area; however, a convenience
store, gas station, and restaurant are located in nearby McRae
industrial area. Residents do have access to a local park and
outdoor rink. Many trails are found within and around the
neighbourhoods.
Granger
Located on the upper Yukon River bench, Granger lies
approximately 3km west of downtown Whitehorse. Developed
in the early 1990s, Granger consists mostly of single-detached
homes, some of which contain legal suites, as well as a limited
number of duplexes and town houses. Bordered to the south,
west and north by residential development, Granger residents
enjoy a large expanse of natural open space and recreational
trails to the east as well as excellent views of the Yukon River
valley and Grey Mountain.
The road network pattern in Granger consists of local roads,
crescents and courts branching off from Hamilton Boulevard.
Commercial operations include a grocery store, daycare, gas
station and video store. Granger residents have access to a local
park and outdoor rink. Additional recreational opportunities
are available at the nearby Canada Games Centre. The
neighbourhood has bus service to downtown and bike and
pedestrian paths leading to other areas within Whitehorse.
4
Wolf Creek and Mary Lake are two separate subdivisions but were considered as one neighbourhood for the purposes of the Archetypes Project to ensure a
sufficient sample size for the interviews.
2
www.sbc.nrcan.gc.ca

CANMET Energy Technology Centre
Urban Archetypes Project Whitehorse YK
SUMMARY OF ENERGY INPUTS AND SERVICES
The graphics summarize an average household’s energy inputs and services. The proportional scale between neighbourhoods is
accurate and is reflected in the different size of the maps. More detailed source data can be found on pages 5 & 6.
GHGs
(14 tonnes
C0 2
e/yr)
Cost
($7,800/yr)
Porter Creek
Granger
Central
Business
District
Airport
Electricity (14,700 kWh/yr)
Propane (3,300 L/yr)
Gasoline
(3,600 L/yr)
Pl
Grouse Cres
Heron Drive
Falcon Drive
ENERGY
INPUTS
(260 GJ/yr)
Thompson Road
Wilson Drive
Hamilton Boulevard
Turner Crescent
Salter Pl
Wilson Drive
About 4 minutes
walking or
1 minute cycling
250 meters
Wilson Drive
Park Lane
Lighting
and Appliances
(32 GJ/yr)
Hot Water (21 GJ/yr)
Space Heat (85 GJ/yr)
ENERGY
SERVICES
Hi lcrest Drive
Transportation
(123 GJ/yr)
Wolf Creek &
Mary Lake
Falcon Dr
GRANGER
Hayes Pl
GHGs
(20 tonnes
C0 2
e/yr)
Cost
($9400/yr)
Dogwood Street
Electricity (15,100 kWh/yr)
Oil (3,000 L/yr)
Gasoline
(4,500 L/yr)
ENERGY
INPUTS
(320 GJ/yr)
Alaska Highway
14th Avenue
Centennial Street
Versluce Pl
Elm Street
Fir Street
14th Avenue
12th Avenue
Fir Street
Fir Street
Grove Street
Grove Street
11th Avenue
10th Avenue
About 4 minutes
walking or
1 minute cycling
9th Avenue
Ho ly Street
13th Avenue
Grove Street
Pine Street
Spruce Street
13th Avenue
HemlockStreet
Almond Place
Pine Street
11th Avenue
Lighting
and Appliances
(32 GJ /yr)
Hot Water (22 GJ/yr)
Space Heat
ENERGY
(117 GJ/yr)
SERVICES
Transportation
(154 GJ/yr)
Mountainview
250 meters
PORTER CREEK
www.sbc.nrcan.gc.ca 3

Larkspur Place
Urban Archetypes Project Whitehorse YK
CANMET Energy Technology Centre
GHGs
(25 tonnes
C0 2
e/yr)
Cost
($11,600/yr)
HarveyPlace
Nansen Drive
Harvey Road
Lighting and
Appliances (33 GJ/yr)
Boss Road
Arke l Place
Hot Water (21 GJ/yr)
Logan Road
Harbottle Road
Phelps Place
Langholz Road
Harbottle Road
Cronkhite Road
Dawson Road
Castle Drive
Keele Place
Tombstone Pl
Logan Road
ENERGY
SERVICES
Space Heat (142 GJ/yr)
Transportation
(204 GJ/yr)
Cronkhite Road
Ryder Place
Fireweed Drive
Dawson Road
Orchid Place
Salmon Trail
Sage Place
Fireweed Drive
Lupin Place
Sockeye Place
Chum Place
Electricity (14,900 kWh/yr)
Aster Place
Kokanee Place
Fireweed Drive
Oil (3,600 L/yr)
Gasoline
(5,900 L/yr)
ENERGY
INPUTS
(400 GJ/YR)
Iris Place
Crocus Place
Columbine Place
Fireweed Drive
Bluebe l Place
Salmon Trail
Do ly Varden Drive
Do ly Varden Drive
Grayling Place
Coho Trail
Chinook Lane
Marigold Place
Buttercup Place
About 4 minutes walking
or 1 minute cycling
250 meters
WOLF CREEK & MARY LAKE
Legend for Area Maps
Residential
Study area with
residential lots
Land Use
Retail/Commercial
Industrial
Institutional
Municipal
Recreational
Parkland
Water
Transportation
Arterial (with sidewalks)
Collector (with sidewalks)
Local (with sidewalks)
Roads without sidewalks
Alleys
Pathways
Bike lanes, bike paths
Bus routes
4
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CANMET Energy Technology Centre
ENERGY USE IN HOUSES
The amount of energy consumed to provide the energy services
of space heating, domestic hot water heating, lighting and
appliances can vary substantially from house to house. Factors
influencing household energy consumption include: levels of
insulation and airtightness, efficiency of mechanical systems for
space heating and hot water, choice of lighting and appliances,
size of house, and occupant lifestyles.
162 GJ
$4,330
8.3 tonnes
171 GJ
$4,540
8.9 tonnes
The energy consumption of common house types found within
the Whitehorse study areas ranges from 138 GJ to 205 GJ per
205 GJ
$5,320
11.7 tonnes
174 GJ
$4,600
9.2 tonnes
196 GJ
$5,120
10.7 tonnes
175 GJ
Urban Archetypes Project Whitehorse YK
year. For homes heated with oil, this represents 2,750 litres to
4,000 litres per year. For those heated with propane, it ranges
from 3,250 litres to 4,650 litres per year. The electricity use
for all houses ranges from 13,600 to 15,100 kilowatt hours
per year for hot water heating, lighting and appliances. Given
this consumption, energy costs 5 range from $3,890 to $5,320
per year for the use of a combination of oil or propane and
electricity; associated greenhouse gas emissions range from
5.5 tonnes to 11.7 tonnes of equivalent CO 2
per year.
$4,820
7.6 tonnes
138 GJ
$3,890
5.5 tonnes
Porter Creek Wolf Creek & Mary Lake Granger
ENERGY SERVICES
Lighting and Appliances
Domestic Hot Water
Space Heat
COST
Electricity
Propane
Oil
GHG EMISSIONS
A B A B C A B
Equivalent C0 2
5.5 tonnes
$3,890
138 GJ
7.6 tonnes
$4,820
175 GJ
10.7 tonnes
$5,120
196 GJ
9.2 tonnes
$4,600
174 GJ
11.7 tonnes
$5,320
205 GJ
8.9 tonnes
$4,540
171 GJ
8.3 tonnes
$4,330
162 GJ
Building Type storeys One-storey One-storey Two-storeys Two-storeys One-storey Two-storeys One-storey
attachment single-detached single-detached single-detached single-detached single-detached single-detached single-detached
built 1978-1983 1961-1977 after 1995 1984-1995 1978-1983 1984-1995 1984-1995
Heated Floor Area 185 m 2
(2,000 sq.ft.)
200 m 2
(2,150 sq.ft.)
260 m 2
(2,800 sq.ft.)
235 m 2
(2,500 sq.ft.)
240 m 2
(2,600 sq.ft.)
300 m 2
(3,200 sq.ft.)
225 m 2
(2,400 sq.ft.)
Insulation ceiling RSI 5.7 (R-32) RSI 4.6 (R-26) RSI 6.0 (R-34) RSI 7.0 (R-40) RSI 4.2 (R-24) RSI 6.0 (R-34) RSI 6.3 (R-36)
Space
Heating
walls RSI 2.4 (R-14) RSI 2.3 (R-13) RSI 2.9 (R-16) RSI 3.6 (R-20) RSI 2.3 (R-13) RSI 3.6 (R-20) RSI 2.9 (R-16)
foundation RSI 2.1 (R-12) RSI 2.3 (R-13) RSI 3.1 (R-18) RSI 2.6 (R-15) RSI 2.4 (R-14) RSI 3.7 (R-21) RSI 3.1 (R-18)
fuel oil oil oil oil oil propane propane
furnace
furnace with flame
retention head
furnace with flame
retention head
furnace with flame
retention head
mid-efficiency
furnace
furnace with flame
retention head
condensing
furnace
efficiency 83% 83% 83% 85% 83% 87% 87%
condensing
furnace
Hot Water fuel electric electric electric electric electric electric electric
Lighting
Appliances
ENERGY SERVICES
Lighting and Appliances
Domestic Hot Water
Space Heat
COST
Electricity
Propane
Oil
tank conventional tank conventional tank conserver tank conserver tank conserver tank conserver tank conserver tank
efficiency 82% 82% 87% 87% 87% 87% 87%
GHG EMISSIONS
Equivalent C0 2
standard
residential
incandescent
lighting
standard
appliances
standard
residential
incandescent
lighting
standard
appliances
standard
residential
incandescent
lighting
standard
appliances
standard
residential
incandescent
lighting
standard
appliances
standard
residential
incandescent
lighting
standard
appliances
standard
residential
incandescent
lighting
standard
appliances
Occupants 4 4 3 4 4 4 4
standard
residential
incandescent
lighting
standard
appliances
5 Average costs were calculated using available price data for Whitehorse: Oil (93.9 ¢/L, 2006 average), Propane (67¢/L, 2006 average)
and Electricity (11.5 ¢/kWh, 2005 average).
www.sbc.nrcan.gc.ca 5

Urban Archetypes Project Whitehorse YK
CANMET Energy Technology Centre
Energy Use for Personal Vehicle Transportation 6
Personal transportation helps Canadians accomplish a wide
variety of activities and is essential to the functioning of our
communities. Personal vehicles are the predominant form of
personal transportation, accounting for 78% of total passenger
transportation energy end-use in Canada in 2005 7 .The Urban
Archetypes Project calculated energy consumption for personal
vehicles 8 and additionally examined public transit and the active
modes of walking and cycling.
Factors influencing transportation energy consumption for
personal vehicles considered here include distance travelled,
vehicle type, and fuel efficiency. The influence of neighbourhood
design characteristics, neighbourhood location and lifestyle
were analyzed across all neighbourhoods included in the study,
the results of which are presented in The Urban Archetypes
Methodology.
Average annual household Vehicle Kilometres Travelled 9
(VKT) in the Whitehorse study areas ranged from 30,700 km
to 42,000 km. In 2006, the average study area household
consumed between 3,560 and 5,885 litres of gasoline that cost 10
between $3,898 and $6,444, and produced greenhouse gas
emissions of between 9 and 14 tonnes of equivalent CO 2
.
ENERGY INPUTS
Gasoline (L)
ENERGY INPUTS
Gasoline (L)
Cost
Porter Creek Wolf Creek & Mary Lake Granger
Cost
GHG Emissions
(Equivalent C0 2
)
GHG Emissions
(Equivalent C0 2
)
154 GJ
154 GJ
(4,500 L/yr)
(4,500 L/yr)
10.7 tonnes
10.7 tonnes
$4,887
$4,887
204 GJ
204 GJ
(5,900 L/yr)
(5,900 L/yr)
14.1 tonnes
14.1 tonnes
$6,4440
$6,4440
123 GJ
123 GJ
(3,600 L/yr)
(3,600 L/yr)
8.5 tonnes
8.5 tonnes
$3,898
$3,898
Neighbourhood Design Gross Density 4.00 UPH 0.46 UPH 6.60 UPH
Neighbourhood Location
Resident Lifestyle
Percent of Housing Units
Single Detached
93% 98% 88%
Land Use Mix Index 0.31 0 0.39
Total Road Length 7.9 km 22.8 km 6.0 km
Distance to Central
Business District
Average Number of
Vehicles per Household
6.4 km 15.0 km 3.2 km
2.4 2.5 1.9
Vehicle Kilometers Traveled (VKT) 30,700 km 42,000 km 24,400 km
PROJECT COLLABORATION
Natural Resources Canada recognizes the contribution of
project collaborators in Whitehorse including the City of
Whitehorse, the Northern Climate Exchange, Yukon Electric
and North 60° Petro.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about the Urban Archetypes Project, or to access
project companion documents (Methodology and additional case
studies), go to www.sbc.nrcan.gc.ca or contact Jessica Webster by
phone: (613) 992-9532 or email: jessica.webster@nrcan.gc.ca.
6
Indicator definitions can be found in The Urban Archetypes Project Methodology (www.sbc.nrcan.gc.ca).
7 Passenger Transportation Secondary Energy Use by Energy Source and Transportation Mode
http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/corporate/statistics/neud/dpa/tableshandbook2/tran_00_4_e_2.cfm?attr=0.
8 Personal vehicles include small and large cars and light trucks.
9 Based on total household VKT-AVG responses, collected from study area residents in 2006. See Urban Archetype Project Methodology for more details.
10 Average costs were calculated using available price data for Whitehorse: Gasoline ($1.095/L, 2006 average).
6
www.sbc.nrcan.gc.ca